Impa Kasanganay already calls himself PFL champion ahead of Eblen rematch

Impa Kasanganay changed his Instagram bio to list himself as world champion weeks before he steps into the cage at PFL Austin on July 18 to face Johnny Eblen for the interim middleweight belt, but the move has nothing to do with arrogance.

Kasanganay, who won the 2023 PFL season with a 5-0 run before dropping a split decision to Eblen in their first meeting two years ago, told MMA Fighting the updated bio reflects his faith and serves as inspiration for others facing adversity. "When I put that in the bio, it's not just like for people, but it's also just for God," he said. "I set a goal and I'm gonna go get it. I think sometimes in the world we, some people are too timid and too shy about what they're pursuing in life."

Why Kasanganay embraces the interim title path

The Austin card was originally slated to crown an undisputed champion when Eblen was set to meet Costello van Steenis, but van Steenis withdrew with a training camp injury. Some observers dismiss interim belts as placeholders, but Kasanganay rejects that framing. He sees the interim strap as validation of his work and a step toward unification, whether that happens before the end of the year or in 2027. "Let's say Costello decides to retire. Who's the champion now?" Kasanganay said, per MMA Fighting. "It's a credit to the work that you've put in."

Kasanganay enters the rematch on a two-fight finishing streak and believes the extra two rounds in a five-round main event will favor his game. He went 10-3 under the PFL banner after a brief 2-2 UFC stint in 2020-21 and claims the promotion's middleweight division is the strongest in the sport right now. Sean Strickland recently posted alongside Eblen, saying he would eventually make his way to the UFC to challenge for that title, but Kasanganay said his validation comes from performance, not promotion.

The two fighters exchanged words cageside at PFL San Diego, where Kasanganay promised a knockout finish. He said he and Eblen spoke throughout the weekend without hostility, but come fight night he expects to close all questions with a stoppage. First bell is set for July 18 in Austin, with the winner moving toward a unification bout against van Steenis.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Impa Kasanganay explains why he already updated Instagram bio to PFL champion before title fight | MMA Fighting